Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1887-04-09
A coLoRep CAMP MEETING.

Weird scenes at Religious Gathering
in North Carolina.
All preliminaries having been settled,
the first minister ordered all to fall in
for the march 1.-TWO by two, preach
ers in front, men together, women
together . Instantly there was stir
among the people. The platform
was vacated, its occupants moving
by couples outside the arbor. The others
followed, promiscuous throng, old and
young, all with preternaturally solemn
visages. Old men leaning on sticks.
girls with 1.-the forms arrayed in gay col
ors, tall, lank women, fat, saucy looking
boys, muscular, large boned men. The
preacher from ''the land of the sky"
handed book to his stalwart brother,
who gave out the hymn, There's room
enough in heaven" The singer started
the tune, and with feet keeping time and
bodies swaying in unison the long string
of dusky worshipers began the farewell
march. Posing the nearer TENTS then
retracing their steps for half the distance,
then turning toward those on the right
of the quadrangle, the procession twist
ing sinuously by all the huts in turn, re-
ceiving constant additions as it passed
them, until nearly every colored person
on the ground was in line. Long before
the round was completed tho sun
emerged from the clouds and shone hotly
upon the throng. The preachers, whose
heads were bare, spread their handker-
chiefs over them, keeping one hand on
top all the time TO prevent them from
being blown away.
The procession finally halted ON the
hillside, great circle of humanity. The
preachers entered it, at their order all
faced inward. Exhortations from several
brethren were addressed to tho impeni-
tent, the ministers resumed their places,
and then there was countermarch in
single file, a circle within circle, until
each had shaken hands with every other,
all singing and swaying to the music as
before. Finally the head OF the process
sion emerged from the ring and started
for the arbor, the directing minister and
most Of those who followed having fallen
into q not ungraceful dancing step.
They entered, the ministers and elders
marched to the platform, their tune and
steps growing hvelier all the while.
Some fifty Of the women rushed into the
open space, while the others fastened 10
the benches and mounted them.
Those dancing in front Of the platform
grew more and more excited; they
glided back and forth, twirling them
selves like tetotums, or leaped several
feet from the ground, all keeping time
TO the music, which waxed louder and
louder. The preachers were moving In
every joint, patting their hands on their
knees and stimulating the excitement.
Some women dropped from exhaustion
and were carried out; all were pallid,
their breathing was labored and spas
modic; even the preachers showed signs
of weakening, when suddenly one of
them raised his hand. Almost immedi-
ately the singing ceased and he managed
TO say in voice scarcely audible: "All
kneei and pray The request was
obeyed. In the midst Of a quiet and
hush in strange contrast to the previous
noise and whirl, n voice was heard, clear,
calm and not overload, asking Gods
blessing on their farewell. Then
sonorous benediction was pronounced.
and the great McElroy camp meeting OF
1886 was over.--Cor. New York Com
mercial Advertiser.